Panic-psychology in cave diving

[Kelly Jessop]

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...-proves-deadly

[amphipod06]

is he saying that Sheck died because he panicked???? Certainly seems to imply it, the way I read it...
and I don't buy that one...

Is the writer a cave diver or even a scuba diver?

[MORGAN]

Interesting. I won't bother to pick out all the cracks in this article, just the most obvious: the use of the term "spelunker", the idea that Hole in the Wall is part of Jackson Blue, and the insinuation that panic was the cause of Sheck Exley's death without a mention that he was pushing the limits of deep diving down around 900 feet at the time.

About what I'd expect from Psychology Today, which is a mass market magazine with more in common with People magazine than with an actual peer-reviewed professional journal.

Which leads me to my next rant: the low standard of accuracy and lack of familiarity with the facts that characterizes most journalism. Whenever I read an article about a topic with which I'm familiar, it is almost always inaccurate. I can't help but believe that articles about the vast areas of knowledge of which I'm ignorant are similarly inaccurate; I just don't know enough about them to pick it up. I can only try to be amused rather than disgusted, and to cultivate a healthy skepticism rather than bitter cynicism.

You can see that I got up on the cranky side of the bed this morning - my only excuse is that I'm in the midst of trading pickup trucks - a process that always makes me grumpy!

Mike

[OFG-1]

Which leads me to my next rant: the low standard of accuracy and lack of familiarity with the facts that characterizes most journalism. Whenever I read an article about a topic with which I'm familiar, it is almost always inaccurate. I can't help but believe that articles about the vast areas of knowledge of which I'm ignorant are similarly inaccurate; I just don't know enough about them to pick it up. I can only try to be amused rather than disgusted, and to cultivate a healthy skepticism rather than bitter cynicism.
Mike

Why would you want to allow the facts to confuse the issues? You must be some sort of libertarian, or rastafarian, or something.

[MORGAN]

Why would you want to allow the facts to confuse the issues? You must be some sort of libertarian, or rastafarian, or something.

Libertarian,kind of... Rastafarian, nope.

I really like Italian food, though - maybe I'm a Pastafarian!

Mike

[alias]

Whenever I read an article about a topic with which I'm familiar, it is almost always inaccurate. I can't help but believe that articles about the vast areas of knowledge of which I'm ignorant are similarly inaccurate; I just don't know enough about them to pick it up. I can only try to be amused rather than disgusted, and to cultivate a healthy skepticism rather than bitter cynicism.

Heartily agree. And if you ever worked in (any) scientific field and saw the push (financial, personal or institutional ambition or whatever you call it etc) to spew out "results", you will fairly soon realize that there is even more reason for skepticism and cynicism. There are different levels of People magazines and articles in scientific publications too, just harder to spot.

[JahJahwarrior]

It seems like this isn't even a serious article but merely a "blog."

[refinished]

For you psych types - Are there any diagnostics to determine predisposition to a total shutdown in reaction to panic?

I've only 'lost it' once - after falling in an ice cave and becoming wedged in a near-vertical crack. I was alone and under-geared. The tunnel vision passed after a few moments, but that would be all it takes in a water-filled cave to set yourself up for the end. I was only 13 or 14 at the time, so perhaps biological and psychological immaturity may make this not-so-telling for me.

Also - while I don't recall it being called Shark Night, 'that night' of YMCA scuba class was the most valuable scuba training exercise I've ever experienced! Builds significant confidence, while reducing ego!

[FW]

For you psych types - Are there any diagnostics to determine predisposition to a total shutdown in reaction to panic?

I've only 'lost it' once - after falling in an ice cave and becoming wedged in a near-vertical crack. I was alone and under-geared. The tunnel vision passed after a few moments, but that would be all it takes in a water-filled cave to set yourself up for the end. I was only 13 or 14 at the time, so perhaps biological and psychological immaturity may make this not-so-telling for me.

Also - while I don't recall it being called Shark Night, 'that night' of YMCA scuba class was the most valuable scuba training exercise I've ever experienced! Builds significant confidence, while reducing ego!

That experience has probably made you much less susceptible to panic attacks. I have had a few like that over the years, and each one has made it easier for me to deal with stressful situations.

[mag3]

Which leads me to my next rant: the low standard of accuracy and lack of familiarity with the facts that characterizes most journalism. Whenever I read an article about a topic with which I'm familiar, it is almost always inaccurate.

Mike - As a fellow EMT (retired), I, as well as you know the answer to that (journalist issue)... Never let the truth get in the way of a "good story..." ie. one that will generate readership/viewers and thus, advertising revenue... Controversy sells man... I got real good at avoiding the media on serious EMS calls.

The only thing we can do is counter it with our own message - Get the training, follow the rules, stay within your limits, and it will work... might even enjoy it.